Prince George's horse farm owners push for agricultural zoning

During a convention-style event Thursday for the Maryland horsing industry, Prince George's County horse farm owners, particularly those who live in the rural tier, said there is a continued need for assistance and legislation to help the embattled industry survive.

Hundreds of people from around the state gathered during the Maryland Horse Forum at the Show Place Arena and Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro.

At the forum, many Prince George's residents who own horse farms said they are seeking county legislation that would allow small horse farms to be rezoned as agricultural land, which would afford them the same tax breaks that large farms receive. Currently, small horse farm owners pay the same tax per acre as residential land owners.